Script Execution Control via Agent Hooks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scripts embedded in documents can pose a security threat by performing unauthorized operations, compromising host computers, and existing methods struggle to effectively control and monitor their execution.
Innovation Solution
An agent inserts hooks into the sub-execution runtime environment of scripts to monitor behavior, obtain context information, and control script execution based on policy, allowing or inhibiting execution, and reporting malicious activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If scripts are allowed to execute freely in documents, then document functionality and automation capabilities are improved, but security risks and unauthorized operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
An agent is introduced as an intermediary component that inserts hooks into the script execution environment. This agent monitors script behaviors, obtains context information, and controls execution based on policy decisions, thereby enabling script functionality while preventing unauthorized operations and security risks
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis and control decisions before script execution proceeds. The agent monitors behaviors and evaluates context information in advance, making policy-based decisions to allow, block, or control script execution before harmful actions can occur
2Reliability
If hooks are inserted to monitor script behavior, then security control and detection capabilities are improved, but system complexity and performance overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into modular components: hooks inserted at specific points in the execution environment, an agent that processes monitoring data, and policy-based control mechanisms. This segmentation allows for targeted monitoring of critical script behaviors without overwhelming system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The agent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors script behaviors, obtains context information, evaluates policies, and controls execution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive security control
Data Source
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AI summary
An agent inserts one or more hooks into a sub-execution runtime environment that is configured to include a script and/or targeted to include the script. The agent including the one or more hooks monitors a behavior of the sub-execution runtime environment and/or the script. The agent subsequently obtains context information regarding the sub-execution runtime environment and/or the script so that it can control the runtime of at least the sub-execution runtime environment. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.